A MURDEROUS FAMILY.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXI, Issue 107, 11 May 1896, Page 4

A MURDEROUS FAMILY.

.^ A tragic affair occurred recently m the hamlet of Lisphelan, near Athlone. The seven nouses of the place are inhabited by families connected by blood with each other, and of the same name, — Cunningham. All aro of the farming claes, except one, James Cunningham, who carried on the trade of a shoemaker, and who lived with his father and brotheis. About a fortnight ago James developed symptoms of cerebral trouble, and it was noticed that when he became excited his irritability communicated itself to the rest of the family. This m itself was, perhaps, not singular, but m this case irritability of the Cunninghams took such a peculiar form that the police of the neighborhood kept a close watch on them for several days, and the local priest and doctor exertsd their influence upon J. Cunningham with a view to getting him to submit to a thorough medical examination . But thbir persuasions were m vain, and, an. improvement facing noted m James's condition, the neighbors thought all danger was passed. On i'liday night, however, whilst the family were at prayers, James, who had been particularly quiet during the day, suddenly leaped up and initiated a fierce attack on his father. In a moment a violent frenzy seems to have possessed the other membois of the family. They rushed upon James m a body, and forcing him into an inner room, proceeded to murder him with the tools he used m his trade. In a short time he W BB lying a horribly mutilated corpse on the floor, his face slashed into uurecognisability, his upper lip and greater part of his chin sliced completely away, his hand gashed and scored m a horrible fashion, his breast and face covered with dreadful wounds. Next clay Michael Cunningham told the police that his brother James was dead, and afterwards all the members ot the family who had hitherto borne the character of industrious, respectable, and religious people, were arrested. Their names are : Patrick Cunningham (lather, aged sixty), Patrick Cunu-

inghara, John Cunningham, Michael Cunningham, and Bridget Cunning- *' ham, When first lodged m the police station they appeared comparatively quiet, but about twelve p o'clock on Saturday night they appeared to tbink they were surrounded by evil spirits, and m their violence they broke out of the place m which they were confined and fiercely attacked tho six constables p m the station. A desperate struggle ensued before the prisoners were overpowered, and when ultimately ■ overcome they were placed m secure j confinement with their hands firmly J fastened behind them. JLater, for * greater security, all were removed * to the gaol m Athlone. {